Posted on May 9, 2025 by Katelyn Juarez
Bilingual Education Advocate
Sarah Morton, B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies EC-6 Bilingual '25
Meet Sarah Morton, a bilingual educator and first-generation student from San Antonio. Morton is graduating this May with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies EC-6 Bilingual. As the Vice President for the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO) where she demonstrated her leadership skills, she also strengthened her commitment to preserving students’ home languages while supporting their English language development. Morton will begin teaching this fall in the Northeast Independent School District.
What inspired you to become a bilingual educator?
My journey to becoming a bilingual educator stems from personal experiences with language suppression. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges my family faced in school. My oldest brother struggled when he first entered elementary school without knowing English, and my family was pressured to prioritize English over our native Spanish. I remember specific moments in school where teachers would tell me, “We don’t speak that language here,” creating a negative environment around my home language.
These experiences ignited my passion to create a different educational environment - one where children feel loved, supported, and valued regardless of the language they speak. My goal is to help student expand their language skills without losing connection to their cultural and linguistic roots. Teaching became my way of being a nurturing figure who can make a real difference in children’s lives.
How has being a first-generation student shaped your educational journey?
Being a first-generation student has been the driving force behind my educational pursuit. My parents always emphasized education as the most valuable asset one can possess. My grandfather’s wisdom that, “Nobody can ever take your education from you,” became a powerful mantra in our family.
My parents worked tirelessly to ensure we had educational opportunities. When I got married, my husband became an additional source of support, encouraging me to continue my studies even while raising our children. This journey hasn’t just been about personal achievement, but about honoring my family’s sacrifices and creating a more stable future for the next generation.
What is your involvement with BESO?
BESO has been transformative for me. Initially, I was drawn to the organization by hearing members speak Spanish freely and creating a supportive community for bilingual education students. As vice president, I’ve taken on responsibilities including organizing fundraisers and events. The organization is more than just a student group; it’s a support system for students who want to preserve their linguistic identity while becoming educators. We’re building a community that says, “No matter what language you speak, you belong here, and your culture is valuable.”
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m thrilled to be returning to Northeast Independent School District, the very community that shaped my own educational journey. This is meaningful because I grew up in this district, and now I have the opportunity to give back to the community that supported me.
My ultimate goal is to create a classroom environment where students feel completely supported – linguistically, culturally, and emotionally. I want to be the type of educator who helps children expand their language skills while celebrating their unique cultural backgrounds. It’s about more than just teaching; it’s about creating a nurturing space where every student feels valued and capable of success.
— Katelyn Juarez
